Ashener's Calling

by David Partelow

  Rhoneck shook his head firmly. “No father, there is not. Their aim is to kill the very heart of our country and end this war decisively in one swift, merciless strike. I believe that with all of my heart.”

  Wyndall of the Jacoi moved from around his seat to join the Ashener family. “Then that is good enough for me. I will take what warriors I have brought and round up more as we head north. You may count the Ro’Nihn of Axiter with you, Rhoneck Ashener.” Rhoneck bowed his head to him. It was a look of pure, unfiltered gratitude.

  “And you may have my men as well,” offered Sindara Preece as she stood. “Rahn is not far. I will send word and have more troops assembled soon.”

  “The same for Fulton,” was Hanser’s reply.

  Azhan came around too, bowing his head to Rhoneck. “And you shall have every blade of Nadarr as well. The time for talk is at an end. Use our strength as you see fit.”

  Alderich watched as Adaven nodded from his chair silently. Rucker is in. That just leaves Rybert and Shinteu. He turned to face the man and his chosen. Alderich held a hand out toward Shinteu’s leader. “It is time to put all differences at bay and stand as one, Rybert. The choice is yours and yours alone. Will you stand with Vallance? Will you stand with us?”

  Rybert clenched his jaw with frustration. His eyes told the story his mouth did not wish to speak. He was furious about the whole thing and the very prospect of war. “Very well,” he said with bitter consent. “What men we have here are yours to employ. I will go and prepare the rest of Shinteu.”

  Wyndall turned to face Alderich and his sons. “Alderich, I will lead the battle group from here. You must prepare, and your son requires medical care. He can tell me the way and then you both can join after he has rested. Please, I insist.”

  Reluctantly, Alderich conceded. “I must admit the truth in your words.” He turned to Rhoneck. “And he is right. You have ridden all night. You will acquire rest and have that arm tended to.”

  Rhoneck instantly protested to this. “There is not time to waste. I’d much rather return to the field with my men,” he replied.

  Alderich allowed a sterness to fill his voice as he responded. “Then consider it an order from your commander. You will rest and apprise me on anything else that you have seen. And if you do not, I will see to it myself. Tomorrow you may rejoin your men, and when that time comes, I will go with you.”

  Rhoneck bowed his head placing a clenched fist over his heart. “By your command then.”

  Alderich looked again to the table. “Then it is settled. We must prepare to deploy tonight. Ralick has made the first move, and we must answer. May the gods grant him the wisdom to see the folly in this and us the blessing of a swift resolution. Now come, there is much to be done.” As the others left the hall, Alderich pulled Wyndall aside. He put his hand on the Ro’Nihn’s shoulder. “I wanted to thank you for doing this, old friend. I will be with you as soon as I am able. You have my word on that.”

  Wyndall put his hand on the hand resting on his shoulder. “I know. And I will be honored to share the field of battle with you once more. I think I speak for all the clans of Axiter when I say this.”

  “You do Vallance proud, Wyndall of the Jacoi.”

  “As do you, Alderich of Ashener.”

  Ensuring that the other members of the council were gone, Alderich then spoke again. “Luckily, we did not find ourselves wholly unprepared for this. Is everything going as planned with the precautionary measures?”

  Wyndall nodded. “Everything is as it should be, Alderich. I promise you that.”

  “Then I will see you on the battlefield.”

  “Until then,” said Wyndall. They shook hands and hugged once more. Wyndall looked to his left as he was leaving and caught the eyes of young Norryn. The boy had watched alone as everyone exited the hall. His eyes were clearly laden with mixed feelings. “And I hope that you do not think you will be joining us on the battlefield, little one. As soon as you weigh more than the weapon you swing, we may allow it. However, that too is just maybe. Until then, this is where you stay.”

  Norryn shrugged, frustrated at the restrictions his age placed upon him. “Somehow I knew that is exactly what you would say,” he said before he rushed to and hugged Wyndall as hard as he could. Looking up at Axiter’s leader, Norryn’s eyes fought tears as he tried to smile. “If I can only be there in spirit, then that is how I will be there. Good luck out there, Wyndall. I pity any opponent that faces you.”

  Wyndall chuckled softly. “As do I, little one. And I will see you again soon.” He put his hand on the boy’s head. “And I mean that. I will see you again.”

  Norryn took a step back, placing a fist over his heart. “I count on it. Be careful out there. Fight hard. And fight true.”

  Wyndall stood, nodding to the boy. “You shall never have to expect any less from me. Farewell, my friends,” said Wyndall before he turned and was gone. Norryn watched him the length of the hall.

  Alderich watched Norryn and the sadness that bled from him. “Are you alright, son? Do speak your mind to me,” he said.

  Norryn’s shoulders sagged. “I guess I am, dad. It’s good to see Rhoneck again and I am glad he’s okay. But that joy is shadowed by the doubts that I feel. I still can’t shake this dread within me.”

  “Wars are ugly affairs, Norryn.”

  Norryn looked at his father, his eyes blazing full of unrestrained questions and answers wise behind his years. “I know, dad, but it is more than that.” The young boy clenched his fists. “Something is eating away at me, and I can’t find the source of its teeth. And I feel like I am letting you down and wish there was more I could do.”

  Alderich could see much frustration in his young boy’s eyes. He wanted to help his father. That was obvious. The fact that he was too young to do much of anything only compounded his frustration. Alderich went to him, placing both hands on Norryn’s shoulders as he knelt to face him. “Norryn, you are my son, and I love you. You have made me very proud today. However, I do need you here. The town needs you. Whether you realize it or not you are an important person. What is about to happen is not glorious, nor is it even right. Sadly, it seems that it is necessary, and we must do what we must,” he said as squeezed at the small shoulders under his hands. “It pains me to see you hurt this way, but it honors me to know that you would stand with your father if you had the choice. You do what you can here in Bannar. There will be much to help with, you will see. Your brother and I will return when the lands are safe again and catch up on the months we have missed.”

  At this, Norryn looked at his father with understanding hazel eyes. Alderich felt the swell of pride as it fought with the lump in his throat. It was this feeling that brought him to his next item of business, one that he wished he could wait on for several more years. However, it was something that he had discussed with Enora and something that she too approved of in the end. Alderich had no doubt it would not come to this, but he knew his son must know what was in store for the future.

  Alderich nodded as he offered a grin to his boy. “That reminds me. There is one more thing that I must discuss with you, Norryn Ashener.”

  At the sound of his full name and the change of his father’s voice, Norryn straightened up immediately. “Yes, sir?”

  Alderich watched his son for long moments before speaking. The lump had subsided, but the pride remained in full force. “War makes the future even more uncertain, and because of this, before I join Wyndall, there is something that you must know.” Norryn seemed to stand straighter than before. He looked at his father, readying himself for whatever he must hear. Alderich grabbed the collar of his shirt with one hand as he reached inside it with the other. Slowly, he pulled out the silver heirloom that ever rested on his chest. There was no need for talk. It was a gift, passed to Alderich from the Ro’Nihn of Axiter. It was to signify the leader of Vallance, the bloodline of Alderich’s family.

  But it was more than that as well, more than just some noble sym
bol. For it was told that when activated, it could call Alderich’s people home if so needed. The amulet was Ashener’s Calling, a light for the dark times, a beacon of hope, a sign of the mantle of true leadership. And now to the heir of that leadership.

  Still kneeling before his son, Alderich held out the amulet as he continued. “I know this is going to come as a shock to you. I have discussed this with your mother, and we agree. Norryn Ashener, my pride, my son, should I fall into darkness, it is you who will carry on the light. I know you are too young for such a burden, but you will not be alone. It is with great certainty when I say that this country needs you more than you can realize. In you is the leader who will one day bring Vallance to a new age of peace and prosperity.” Alderich then placed the amulet around the neck of his youngest boy.

  Alderich could see tears form in his son’s eyes, but none found their way down his cheeks. Norryn looked down. Taking Ashener’s Calling into his hands, he felt for the first time its ever-present warmth. Looking again into the eyes of his father, Norryn nodded his head serenely. There was no need for words. All that needed to be understood already lay between them. They stood for a moment in silence, the leader of Vallance and the one who would one day assume that mantle.

  It was Norryn who brought them from this revelry as he hugged his father tightly. “Please be careful out there, dad. The fears I have remain with me, but I will have to deal with that.” He pulled away from the embrace and looked up. “I wish you and Rhoneck the best of luck. I will be waiting for you to return safely. I love you.”

  “And I you, my son.” Alderich watched his young boy head out of the hall. For a moment, there was a peaceful silence that he did his best to enjoy. Running a hand over his face, he began to catalog what must be done. They would send forces northward tonight. After some rest he would accompany Rhoneck out to join them in the morning. Then the real battle would begin. For everyone’s sake he hoped he could live up to what was expected of him. He dwelled then on the horrible price that would come due before it was all over, and the thought of it sobered him as he stood and let it hit him completely.

  Alderich Ashener then headed out of the hall to prepare himself for war.

  CHAPTER 5

  Hammers Fall

  It had not been more than three hours since a unified Vallace force left Bannar and headed north to oppose the forces of Thorne. With the combined troops brought by the council, along with a large portion of defenders from Lancer’s contingent, their numbers had swelled to over 8,000. This, along with the survivors already out in the field placed the odds well in Vallance’s favor by Rhoneck’s estimation. Norryn hoped that the venture was enough to stop Thorne in its tracks and cease an unnecessary and bloody war.

  Along with Serra, Norryn had watched the force march out of Bannar and into the night. It was truly was something to behold, and he was torn between the awe of the view and the horror of its necessity. Furthermore, Norryn was haunted by the frustration of being unable to help them in any way. He prayed for Wyndall and the others now, wishing them the strength required for victory Norryn was already dreading the dawn, for at morning’s light his father and brother would be gone to join in the battle. What happened after that only the fates could say.

  Now holding Ashener’s Calling in his right hand, Norryn stood and gazed deeply into the night. He and Serra were again at one of their favorite spots, on the hilltop overlooking Bannar’s walls and the surrounding expanse of land. Norryn knew they needed to return, but something still troubled Norryn, still ate at his resolve. He played out his dreams and recent events incessantly, yet no solution surfaced. All that he received for his frustration were further frustrations.

  Hunkered beneath the tree, Serra was half asleep. Her back rested firmly on the trunk, her hair lazily blanketed her eyes and face. Serra looked up wearily at her friend with half-closed eyes. “Norryn, I do not know which is worse, the desire for sleep or the amount of trouble I know I will be in when I get back home,” she said.

  Her voice had pulled him from his thoughts. Norryn looked back at her. “No one is holding you here tonight, Serra. I can take you home anytime.”

  “Like I am going to let you stay here and be alone.”

  “Thought you might say that.”

  “I’m sure you did.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Yeah.” Serra sighed, again trying her best to fight off the heaviness from her eyes. Rubbing at them, she spoke to Norryn again. “So, what are we still doing out here anyway? We haven’t moved since the troops pushed out and that was hours ago. How come you are so awake all of a sudden?”

  Norryn took a long slow breath and let it out before he spoke. His voice was as serious and grave as she had ever heard it before. “Something still isn’t right,” he mused.

  “Of course it’s not. We’re at war,” she replied.

  Norryn shook his head. “No, Serra, it’s more than that, more than just Thorne. It scares me to know there is something else that I cannot place my finger on. All I know is that it’s important to find out what it is and fast.”

  Serra made her way to her feet then, for the tone of his voice was starting to trouble her. “You are quite serious about this. Do you have any idea of what it could be?”

  Her friend bowed his head in shame. “No, I am afraid not.”

  Serra patted him on his arm. “If that is the case, then perhaps we should return. You are doing no good to yourself sitting out here so late. Maybe you could at least go in, catch up with Rhoneck and spend time with him and your dad. I'm sure something will be discovered between the three of you.”

  A devilish smirk almost crept back to Norryn’s face. “Yeah, I suppose you are right,” he admitted.

  “I’m always right, Norryn.”

  The boy merely snorted back at her as they walked toward Bannar.

  The deepening night was starry, beautiful and quite comfortable as the two friends headed from the hilltop. Serra traced lines through the stars in the sky as they walked in silence. Serra knew she was in trouble, but she didn’t care. Her parents had grown accustomed to her antics with Norryn, especially during the Harvest Festival. Sometimes that made her punishments lighter, especially if Norryn was there to apologize with her. That knowledge was a comfort and annoyance to her as they ventured home.

  Serra watched Norryn as they walked. With every step, he was as quiet as any person in this world could be. She had to strain to hear him over her own strides. He didn’t seem to be watching where he was going, yet instinctively knew the way. Serra couldn’t feel any emotions off him now, on a deep and unrelenting focus. She knew in those instances that it was best to let him be, she she remained silent and patient until he spoke first.

  It was almost the perfect end to a dreary and depressing evening until Norryn stopped abruptly in his tracks. He searched left and right, smelling the air as he closed his eyes and stretched his feelings out again. Serra was about to ask him what was wrong when his eyes thrust open and he started sprinting back into the night. “This way, quickly!” He was off with a speed that Serra knew she and most others could never match.

  In seconds, Norryn was leaps and bounds ahead of her. He blazed a path that would have left Serra stunned had she not been racked with a growing fear. Concern now bled from his body like wild fire, and Serra felt every bit of it in his wake. Norryn stopped every now and again to recheck his bearings and then he was off again with daunting speed. Serra never really caught up with him, but she never lost sight of him either. I don’t care how fast you are. I would like to see you keep that pace in this outfit, she thought angrily as she pressed along.

  When Serra’s breath finally threatened to abandon her, Norryn reached his destination, drawn to the fading lifeforce of a Ro’Nihn. He knelt next to the motionless warrior, turning him over gently and holding his head in his hands. Norryn instantly recognized the bloodied Ro’Nihn as Grahnis of the Falloy. The Ro’Nihn was baring several painful injuries through his battered arm
or and gear, with two of them likely fatal. The fact that Grahnis was still alive was testament to the iron resolve he held.

  Finally catching up, Serra gasped in horror at Norryn’s discovery. Shaking, she dropped to her knees on the other side of Grahnis as Norryn removed blood-stained hair strands from his face. Resting the warrior’s head on his arm, Norryn traced his right hand inches over the Ro’Nihn’s injuries. After a few moments, he dropped his shoulders in defeat. Norryn knew there was nothing he could do for the Ro’Nihn. And there was no way to get him back inside Bannar in time.

  Sensing them, Grahnis of the Falloy willed his eyes to work. He slowly looked between Norryn and Serra before fixing his eyes on the young heir of Vallance. He reached up a trembling hand that Norryn took with his own. Grimacing, Grahnis’s pained face revealed a true relief. Comforted, he grasped at Norryn's hand. Despite all the turmoil unleashed on his body, the Ro'Nihn smiled up at him. “Luck truly does shine on me,” he croaked. Swallowing hard, he continued. “I came here looking for anyone and found Norryn Ashener somehow.”

  Norryn kept his tone light, smiling softly. “And so we meet again, Grahnis of the Falloy.” Norryn glanced at the rivulets of sweat and blood on his face. He hated seeing the Ro’Nihn in such a state. However, there was no time for such thoughts now. “What happened to you?”

  The masked Ro’Nihn stifled a fit of coughing before his reply. “These are dark times, Norryn of Ashener. Thorne has come to us, and I have come to warn you while there still is a chance to act.”

  Serra tried to help soothe the man. “Don’t worry yourself, sir. Just this evening a force was sent north to face this army. There shouldn’t be any trouble pushing them back. You can rest your cares now.”

  Swallowing again at the agony that dragged in his throat, Grahnis shook his head fiercely. “No. You do not understand. I speak not of any army from the north.”